Diplomacy and Global Politics

Degree

Bachelor of Arts | College of Arts and Science

What is Diplomacy and Global Politics?

This major introduces you to the theoretical and practical aspects of diplomacy, international relations, and comparative politics. It provides you with an understanding of foreign and domestic security policies, international economic relationships, and foreign cultures.

What are the features of Miami’s program?

Focus on issues

The study of world affairs is moving away from specializing in a geographic region and toward exploration of issues and problems that cross geographic boundaries. Our program reflects that change.

Personal Attention

Our students study with an engaging faculty, who themselves are involved in a wide range of research projects. Several members of our faculty have received awards for outstanding teaching and in recognition of their scholarly research. Many of our faculty have experience working in government and politics, and bring that experience to the classroom. We also encourage our students to take advantage of opportunities to undertake internships and other experiences in applied settings, and to study abroad—which are increasingly important in the global environment. There are opportunities for students to engage in research projects of their own, with possible funding available from college or university programs.

Research

The Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies is not limited to studying politics but includes cultural interactions and studies in order to improve United States-Russian understanding and relations.

Study abroad

The Department of Political Science encourages students to study abroad. Students may choose to study abroad for a semester, a full academic year, or during the summer, and options are available in English and other languages. While some programs are recommended for students with majors in the Department of Political Science, choices are not limited to those programs. Miami is one of the few public universities with its own facility abroad, the John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. Its central location in Western Europe allows for faculty guided study trips throughout the continent.

High law school acceptance rates

Students of any major may be admitted to law school, but many come from the Department of Political Science. Miami's pre-law advisers will help you plan your program and guide you through the law school admission and testing process. Our rate of acceptance to law schools is excellent and consistently above the national average, with students attending the top schools across the country, including New York University, Columbia University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, and Northwestern University.

What are the special admission requirements, if any?

There are no additional admission requirements for this program.

What courses would I take?

We regularly offer a range of courses that cover central issues and questions in the study of politics and government, including courses on the American political system (e.g., constitutional rights and liberties, the American presidency, Congress, parties and interests groups, and political behavior); World Politics (e.g., international relations, international law and organizations, American foreign policy); Comparative Politics (the politics and government in the major regions of the world, e.g., Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Asia); Political Philosophy; and Public Administration.

What can I do with this major?

We prepare our students for their futures, whether in advanced studies or careers, and as citizens. Our alumni go on to study at top graduate and professional schools. Other alumni find careers in business, the Foreign Service, the armed forces, federal, state, and local government, law enforcement, lobbying, and non-profit organizations. Some of our alumni serve in Congress, at the White House, and in U.S. embassies abroad. Some of our alumni have successful careers in academic political science, including the president of a university, deans, and department chairs.